This High Protein Caramel Mocha Overnight Oats will keep you satisfied for hours! It’s also high in fiber, healthy and delicious! Super easy to make and made with clean ingredients.
What are overnight oats?
I could call them a “time saver super-food” because you just need to add all the ingredients into a container or mason jar, refrigerate overnight (so the oats can soak with the liquid) and breakfast is ready next morning. They are generally served chilled but if you prefer to eat it warm, microwave for 45-60 seconds.
I discovered Overnight Oats when I was in my Sophomore year of Uni while studying Civil Engineering! My classes used to start at 7:00 A.M. so I needed to make a “Grab & Go” breakfast. I needed something filling so I wouldn’t get hungry in a few hours, especially when I had a test or exam!
Microwave oatmeal was my fastest breakfast but it was still taking me time. So I decided to make it overnight! Since then, it has been my all time go-to breakfast.
What you need to make this
- Rolled oats – Or old fashioned oats. If gluten-free, make sure to choose a certified brand of oats.
- Vanilla Protein Powder – Optional, but highly recommended for a protein BOOST.
- Cacao powder – I used 100% unsweetened cacao powder.
- Instant coffee – In my case, I used decaffeinated coffee because I cannot stand caffeine!
- Milk of choice – Feel free to add the one of your preference. I use unsweetened almond milk.
- Yogurt – plain or greek yogurt are the most recommended. The yogurt will give a creamy consistency to the oats.
- Whipped cream – Completely optional, could be non-fat or any plant-based whipped cream.
- Sugar-free caramel sauce – I used Smuckers’ sugar-free caramel
How to make this Overnight Oats
- Prepare – Gather and measure all the ingredients, start off by mixing the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, instant coffee, unsweetened cacao powder in a bowl or jar and mix well. Consequently add-in, water, milk, yogurt and stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate – Cover with a lid or plastic wrap, say good night to your oats and refrigerate overnight.
- Toppings – In the morning, add whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
- Devour – Enjoy immediately!
Overnight Oats FAQ
How long do overnight oats last?
Overnight oats can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance for the week. So, feel free to make multiple batches on a Sunday night and you won’t need to worry about breakfast the rest of the week!
I used to do it whenever I had early morning UNI classes! I only had to grab breakfast straight from the fridge and I was ready to go.
Can you heat up oatmeal the next day?
YES! Especially for those cold mornings or you simply don’t feel to eat a cold breakfast. There are two ways:
- Microwave: Grab the overnight oats from the fridge, microwave for 45-60 seconds (make sure there’s enough space at the top of your jar to prevent overflowing).
- Stove-top: Transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
How does this overnight oats taste like?
The oatmeal base is creamy! Reason? Adding greek yogurt or any plain yogurt, creates this beautiful consistency.
What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats! Also know as Old-fashioned oats. They are perfect for a chewy consistency. If using quick or instant oats, you will get a mushy consistency (Honestly, not my favorite but it works as well)
Notes and substitutions
- No protein powder? Replace with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup!
- Refrigerating overnight will make oats to soak and they will be ready the next day or if you can’t wait let it sit for 4-5 hours.
- If Vegan, replace milk and yogurt for any plant-based alternative. The consistency and flavor will still be amazing!
Caramel Mocha Overnight Oats
Equipment
- fridge
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
Wet ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon greek yogurt
Toppings
- Non-Fat whipped cream
- caramel sauce
Instructions
- Gather and measure all the ingredients, start off by mixing the rolled oats, instant coffee, vanilla protein powder in a bowl or jar and mix well. Consequently add-in, milk, yogurt and stir until well combined.
- Once well combined, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and leave in the fridge overnight.
- In the morning, add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- If not adding protein powder, replace with 1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener of choice (maple, agave, date syrup or honey).
- For optimal results, refrigerate the oats overnight, allowing them to fully soak and be ready for a delightful breakfast the next day. If patience is not your virtue, a minimum of 4-5 hours of chilling time will also suffice.
Ginger
Cacao is not mentioned in the ingredient list. How much please? Also, in the description above the recipe it says to add crushed peppermint candies? Thank you for clarifying.